Contents
Description
Desmodium Canescens, commonly known as the hairy tick-trefoil, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the eastern United States and can be found in open fields, roadsides, and woodland edges. The plant has a taproot system and can grow up to a height of 3 feet. The hairy tick-trefoil has trifoliate leaves with a hairy texture and small pink flowers that bloom in late summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Desmodium |
Appearance
The hairy tick-trefoil has trifoliate leaves that are green on the upper surface and hairy on the underside. The leaves are about 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The stem of the plant is somewhat hairy and can grow up to 3 feet in height. The flowers of the hairy tick-trefoil are small, pink, and bloom in late summer. The plant produces small, oblong pods that contain several seeds.
Care Guide
Water
The hairy tick-trefoil prefers well-drained soil that is slightly moist. It is important to water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during periods of drought.
Fertilization
The hairy tick-trefoil does not require much fertilizer, but it will benefit from an application of balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring.
Soil
The hairy tick-trefoil prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers sandy loam.
Sunlight
The hairy tick-trefoil prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones
The hairy tick-trefoil is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The hairy tick-trefoil is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
The hairy tick-trefoil is native to the eastern United States and can be found in open fields, roadsides, and woodland edges. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the hairy tick-trefoil poisonous?
A: No, the hairy tick-trefoil is not poisonous.
Q: How often should I water the hairy tick-trefoil?
A: The hairy tick-trefoil prefers well-drained soil that is slightly moist. It is important to water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during periods of drought.
Q: Can the hairy tick-trefoil grow in shade?
A: The hairy tick-trefoil prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the hairy tick-trefoil?
A: The hairy tick-trefoil is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Related Plants
- Desmodium glutinosum
- Desmodium canadense
- Desmodium paniculatum
- Desmodium gyrans
References
- Clemson Cooperative Extension. (2021). Desmodium Canescens. Retrieved from https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/hairy-ticktrefoil/
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Plants Profile for Desmodium Canescens (hairy tick-trefoil). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=deca11
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. (n.d.). Desmodium Canescens. Retrieved from https://arboretum.wisc.edu/tick-trefoil/
